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It drives long screws no problem. I've used it for setting electrical finish, which takes a light touch, to drilling holes in stucco with a masonary bit (doing what I normally would have used the "hammer drill" function for).I do know carpenters that swear by the Makita impact driver, so I can't compare brand to brand, but if you've always used a normal driver drill and haven't yet tried out the impact driver, you're in for a treat. I've used the DeWalt 18 volt driver/hammer drill for years, and I really have thought it was a good product. There are no dials to turn, no speeds to set and the battery seems to last a long time. It really does a much better job.And to think, I used a Yankee back in the day, and I'm not that old,,,,,well ok, I'm pushing forty, but still, I cut my teeth with a Yankee screwdriver,,,,,how far things have come. I once dropped my drill from a second story and after it bounced a few times it still worked, so I've been convinced that the DeWalt product was a decent brand.I recently got this 14.4 impact and have loved using it. It's lighter than the 18 volt I'm used to and easy to handle.
The batteries will not keep a charge close to origional. I would only recommend this tool to someone who uses it for home. "Heavy Duty", I don't think so. B&D service centers have repaired both under warrenty, but they will not admit to any design flaw. I am a contractor whom owns numerous Dewalt cordless tools and am disappointed in most. I own the 14v and the 12v impacts, and in a matter of 6 months of daily use they have both burned up arbors.
this dewalt impact drill spins faster and has more power for driving screws into concrete or steel but the batteries last only half the time as my makita 12 volt impact.so i use my makita mostly cause i dont have time to be changing batteries every 15 minutes.
It will not bust your nuckles when driving the big screws in hard woods. I have many other 12 and 18 volt DeWalt tools. I will take this over any screwgun of any make. It dimples drywall beautifully. This impact wrench may not replace a compressor and air impact wrench for cars but it sure drives screws and bolts easier than all other screwguns. It makes light work of driving a 3" screw in hard maple without predrilling.
I especially like how compact the driver is. I guess there's a reason it comes with two batteries. It sure beats having to lug around an air compressor.
Also, in my case, the batteries don't seem to store too well. As an alternative, I've had some people suggest buying a snap-on 14.4 volt, and trimming some of the plastic so allow it to accept 18 volt batteries. I had a fully charged battery sit for 3 days.afterwards, it couldn't generate enough torque to take off lugnuts.
I think 3.5 stars might be more accurate, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt with four stars. It had some trouble trying to dislodge some tough, rusted bolts, but it might just be that my expectations were too high considering it isn't an 18 volt unit. The thing is, that unit isn't near as compact as the DeWalt driver.
I live in a second story apartment and I get tired just thinking about lugging an air compressor around, not to mention my roommates would probably kill me for cluttering the living room with a huge tank. Combined with a universal joint and some extensions, there hasn't been a bolt I couldn't get too (so far).I am a little bit disappointed, though.
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